B vitamins are produced by microbial synthesis in the horse's digestive system and play an important role in energy utilisation and other metabolic functions. Alfalfa is rich in the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid. Horses under stress will quite often have impaired hindgut function and as a result B vitamin supplementation will be necessary to maintain health. Natural Vitality Performance Vits & Mins and Healthy Hooves contain a full range of B vitamins which are vital for working horses and ponies.

Balancers normally come in a pelleted or extruded form. Balancers do exactly what it says on the tin; balance the horse's diet. As well as providing a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, balancers can also supply important major nutrients such as protein along with a variety of other ingredients so the horse can get as much benefit out of a small quantity of feed as possible. It is extremely important when feeding balancers, broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplements and complete feeds to make sure you are not under or over supplementing the horses diet as this can lead to deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients which can result in further health problems.

This term is used to describe how easily the horse can absorb and utilise certain nutrients (particularly minerals) from his feed. Alfalfa is a notably good source of 'bioavailable' calcium compared with limestone which is commonly included in horse feed as a source of this mineral.

Probably one of the most well known B vitamins, the benefits of biotin supplementation in the diet of horses with poor feet has been researched in depth. Its main role involves controlling the rate of production and deposition of scleroproteins such as keratin found in hoof horn and hair. Biotin alone will not cure all problems related to its deficiency, good horn development is dependent on an adequate supply of other nutrients including protein, calcium and sulphur which are all found in alfalfa. Healthy Hooves and Natural Vitality Coat & Hoof therefore also contain alfalfa as well as the recommended level of biotin for improved quality and quantity of horn growth.

There are two methods of body condition scoring horses (estimating fat deposition both visually and by palpation). The method developed by Henneke operates on a scale of 1-9 and the Carroll and Huntingdon method is based on a scale of 1-5. Body condition scoring is vital in assessing your horse's health as condition can affect reproductive capability and performance ability. See how a body condition scoring system works here.